President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a press conference after meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis, said that Ukraine could not receive the required number of US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems because they were in the delivery queue.
We already see how many Patriots it would be difficult for us without. Our task is to hit the targets 100%, not 70-75%. This is a really ambitious target, very difficult because of the Patriot tail, and not just for the Patriot, but for the missiles for them. big open,
said Zelensky.
He also said that the coalition for the transfer of Patriot to Ukraine is in the process of formation. Zelenskiy supported the initiative the day before at the European Political Community summit in Moldova. According to him, this issue has been discussed with the leaders of Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and the European Union. He also noted that some countries without Patriots wanted to join the coalition, but were intent on “looking for them”.
“This is very important, some have such capabilities and some have other opportunities – political, personal relations with countries with suitable air defense systems, some have finances, this or that effect,” Zelensky added.
own production
In addition, Zelensky said that at a meeting at the headquarters of the Supreme Commander, the issue of own production of anti-aircraft missiles was discussed.
“We discussed all the details of our air defense and development, the supply and production of the necessary missiles in Ukraine at headquarters. “The Ukrainian air shield should be constantly provided with everything necessary,” he said.
He did not specify where and when it is planned to be released, as well as production volume. During the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian SSR had facilities for the production of rockets. Thus, at the Southern Machine-Building Plant in Dnepropetrovsk (Dnepr), combat ballistic missiles R-12 and R-14, capable of carrying nuclear charges, were produced.
How many Patriots are there in Ukraine?
The United States announced its decision to supply Patriots to Ukraine in December 2022, following Zelensky’s visit to Washington. Kiev called this decision of the USA a “psychological turning point”, which made it possible to discuss the procurement of these systems with other countries.
Ukraine has two Patriot batteries from the United States and Germany to date. A third system is expected from the USA. Two more launchers were promised to Kiev by the Netherlands.
A battery of Patriot air defense missiles of the type PAC-2 and PAC-3, an AN / MPQ-65 radar station, as a rule, from five to eight launchers, an AN / MSQ-104 control center, a communication complex, an EPP-III power source and missiles. Staff – from 70 to 90 people.
Patriot vs Dagger
On May 19, the Patriot air defense system lost 32 missiles while attempting to shoot down the Russian hypersonic Kinzhal, Military Watch Magazine reported.
32 Patriot missiles targeting Kinzhal missiles failed. The total cost of their launch cost $96 million,” the article says.
In response, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the destruction of five Patriot launchers on May 17.
“According to reliably verified data, on May 16 of this year, as a result of the attack of the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system in the city of Kiev, a multifunctional radar station and five US launchers were hit and completely destroyed. In the statement made by the Ministry of National Defense, the expressions “Patriot-made anti-aircraft missile system” were used.
On May 17, citing sources, CNN reported that the Patriot had suffered minimal damage and that it would be possible to repair it on Ukrainian soil.
On May 30, the head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Sergei Shoigu, announced on a conference call that a launcher had been destroyed.
“Dagger” modification X-55
On May 9, the Pentagon said that the Ukrainian army shot down the “Dagger” with the help of a Patriot. Bild reporter Paul Ronzheimer then posted an image on Twitter showing the “debris of Russian missiles” shown by Kiev, which was allegedly shot down by Ukrainian air defense systems. The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, participated in the video. When asked by a journalist if it was the first time the Ukrainian Armed Forces had shot down a Kinzhal, the official replied in the affirmative.
Later, a senior source at the Russian Ministry of Defense told TASS that they would not be able to intercept the “Dagger” Patriot. According to him, this is an “attempt of wishful thinking”. He noted that the speed of the “Dagger” exceeded the limiting combat modes of Western air defense systems, including the Patriot.
In addition, the anti-missile maneuver performed by Kinzhal in the last flight segment and the almost vertical approach to the target prevent this weapon from being intercepted by anti-aircraft missile systems.”